Frequently Asked Questions Coastal Erosion & Inundation

Is there any way to slow down or stop the erosion or inundation?

There are a wide range of mitigation measures that could be taken to satisfy the City and State Government requirements such as raising the level of roads, installing rock barriers, improving dune stability etc… but these measures would come at great cost to the community.

What has been the impact of the revetment recently constructed along Grey’s Beach? It appears that the Grey’s Beach shore has accreted since the wall was built.

The Grey’s Beach coastline is eroding not accreting. Observations show that in the Jurien Bay and Cervantes communities the southern side of their coastal areas are actually eroding and it is the northern side that is accreting. This is a trend that can be observed along the West Australian coastline.

Are the residents of the caravan park also affected?

The risk of coastal inundation is exactly the same for residents of the Life Style Village.

Who will be involved in the consultation process so that the opinions of the wider community are incorporated? How will the current timeframe enable this to happen?

The City will be undertaking Coastal Hazzard Risk Mapping Adaptation Planning in the coming months which will involve the broader community. If you would like to be involved in these workshops please contact Communications Officer -Engagement Janell Kopplhuber on 9956 6600.

Does anyone really know what sea level rise will really be?

The State Government undertakes a climate change assessment every two years to track sea level rise and makes recommendations on coastal planning policy based on the rise in sea level. Since measurements have been taken sea level has risen .38m and if this trend continues sea level is expected to increase 0.9m over the coming 100 years.

When the tsunami came in nine years ago why wasn’t Point Moore affected?

The road provided a barrier to Pt Moore and prevented flooding from the tsunami referred to. However, the study indicates that cyclonic and non-cyclonic events will produce higher inundation levels than a tsunami. Storms and cyclones are associated with low-pressure systems which cause base water levels to be higher for example, for each 1Kpa drop in pressure water levels increase by 1cm. Therefore, a tropical low can increase water levels by 10-15cm. The Boxing Day tsunami was not associated with a low pressure system.

Since the lighthouse was built there has been no inundation event. Will this be taken into consideration in the decision making process?

The future of the lighthouse is a matter for the State Government as the City doesn't own the land or the building. However we would like to see this important iconic landmark protected.

What is wrong with the septic systems and what would need to be done to solve the issue?

The State Government has concerns about the condition of septic systems as there have been reports of systems failing. Therefore, the ROETD study needs to be undertaken to determine if this is the case and what, if any, environmental and health risks this poses to residents and the area.

What is the total income from Point Moore in terms of lease fees and rates?

The total income from leases for the 2015/16 financial year is $489,219.15 and the total rates levied for the 2015/16 financial year was $156,494.19. This sum does not include the Emergency Services Levy or fees for rubbish collection.

How much did this study cost ratepayers?

To date, the City has paid $84,850 for the Point Moore Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan.